Baton coupler system for a flashlight

ABSTRACT

A baton coupler system for a flashlight for converting a conventional flashlight into a combination flashlight-baton device. The baton coupler system for a flashlight includes a coupler having a first threaded end that is threadably engagable to a flashlight and a second threaded end, and an engaging member having an interior threaded portion for threadably engaging the second threaded end of the coupler. The coupler includes an end cavity within the first threaded end for receiving a compression spring. The end cavity is formed within a metal material for providing an electrically connected circuit for the flashlight. The engaging member may be constructed of a solid material such as wood, plastic, nylon or metal. The engaging member may also include an interior cavity within for receiving a weight within.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to baton devices and more specifically it relates to a baton coupler system for a flashlight for converting a conventional flashlight into a combination flashlight-baton device.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] Conventional flashlights have been in use by law enforcement personnel for years. A conventional flashlight has tubular body for storing a plurality of batteries within, a cap threadably attached to an open end of the tubular body for retaining the batteries within, and a light housing having a light bulb electrically connected to the batteries via a switch for emitting light. The cap typically includes a compression spring within for both maintaining the batteries in electrical connection with an upper electrode within the tubular body and for providing an electrical connection to the batteries opposite of the first electrode for providing a circuit when the switch is closed.

[0005] The main problem with conventional flashlights is that they are not suitable for usage as a baton. Conventional flashlights are easily damaged when utilized to strike an object or a subject. In addition, convention flashlights are typically constructed of sharp corners which can cause severe bodily injury to a subject. In addition, law enforcement personnel must carry an addition baton/nightstick with them in addition to the flashlight adding the already bulky accessories carried.

[0006] Examples of patented flashlight and baton related devices which are illustrative of such prior art include U.S. Pat. No. 6,139,165 to Crowe; U.S. Pat. No. 5,647,591 to Parsons; U.S. Pat. No. 5,363,285 to Wideman; U.S. Pat. No. 3,737,649 to Nelson et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,287,255 to Strodtman; U.S. Pat. No. 5,347,436 to Clyde et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,502,625 to Peng; U.S. Pat. No. 5,086,377 to Roberts; U.S. Pat. No. 5,060,123 to Arnold; U.S. Pat. No. 5,016,148 to Kohm; U.S. Pat. No. 4,479,171 to Mains; U.S. Pat. No. 5,529,215 to Banks et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,105,309 to Baravaglio et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,477,431 to Curameng, Jr..

[0007] While these devices may be suitable for the particular purpose to which they address, they are not as suitable for converting a conventional flashlight into a combination flashlight-baton device. Conventional flashlights are difficult to utilize as a baton and are not designed to be utilized as a baton.

[0008] In these respects, the baton coupler system for a flashlight according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of converting a conventional flashlight into a combination flashlight-baton device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of flashlights and batons now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new baton coupler system for a flashlight construction wherein the same can be utilized for converting a conventional flashlight into a combination flashlight-baton device.

[0010] The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new baton coupler system for a flashlight that has many of the advantages of the batons and flashlights mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new baton coupler system for a flashlight which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art batons and flashlights, either alone or in any combination thereof.

[0011] To attain this, the present invention generally comprises a coupler having a first threaded end that is threadably engagable to a flashlight and a second threaded end, and an engaging member having an interior threaded portion for threadably engaging the second threaded end of the coupler. The coupler includes an end cavity within the first threaded end for receiving a compression spring. The end cavity is formed within a metal material for providing an electrically connected circuit for the flashlight. The engaging member may be constructed of a solid material such as wood, plastic, nylon or metal. The engaging member may also include an interior cavity within for receiving a weight within.

[0012] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

[0013] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0014] A primary object of the present invention is to provide a baton coupler system for a flashlight that will overcome the shortcomings of the prior art devices.

[0015] A second object is to provide a baton coupler system for a flashlight for converting a conventional flashlight into a combination flashlight-baton device.

[0016] Another object is to provide a baton coupler system for a flashlight that fits various sizes of flashlights.

[0017] An additional object is to provide a baton coupler system for a flashlight that allows a flashlight to be utilized as a baton.

[0018] A further object is to provide a baton coupler system for a flashlight that does not severely injure a subject.

[0019] Another object is to provide a baton coupler system for a flashlight that save money by converting existing flashlights into a combination flashlight-baton.

[0020] Another object is to provide a baton coupler system for a flashlight that increases the force of an impact against a subject.

[0021] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become obvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects and advantages are within the scope of the present invention.

[0022] To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated and described within the scope of the appended claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

[0024]FIG. 1 is a side view of the present invention attached to a conventional flashlight.

[0025]FIG. 2 is an exploded side view of the present invention with respect to a conventional flashlight.

[0026]FIG. 3 is an upper perspective view of the present invention.

[0027]FIG. 4 is an exploded upper perspective view of the present invention.

[0028]FIG. 5 is a side view of the present invention.

[0029]FIG. 6 is an exploded side view of the present invention.

[0030]FIG. 7 is an exploded side cutaway view of the present invention.

[0031]FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 5.

[0032]FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 5.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0033] Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1 through 9 illustrate a baton coupler system for a flashlight 10, which comprises a coupler 20 having a first threaded end 22 that is threadably engagable to a flashlight 12 and a second threaded end 24, and an engaging member 30 having an interior threaded portion 34 for threadably engaging the second threaded end 24 of the coupler 20. The coupler 20 includes an end cavity 26 within the first threaded end 22 for receiving a compression spring 50. The end cavity 26 is formed within a metal material for providing an electrically connected circuit for the flashlight 12. The engaging member 30 may be constructed of a solid material such as wood, plastic, nylon or metal. The engaging member 30 may also include an interior cavity 38 within for receiving a weight 40 within.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, a conventional flashlight 12 has an elongate tubular body for storing one or more batteries within, a cap member threadably attached to an open end of the tubular body for retaining the batteries within, and a light housing 14 having a light bulb electrically connected to the batteries via a switch for emitting light. The open end of the flashlight 12 opposite of the light housing 14 is interiorly threaded for threadably receiving the cap member. The cap typically includes a compression spring 50 within for both maintaining the batteries in electrical connection with an upper electrode within the tubular body and for providing an electrical connection to the batteries opposite of the first electrode for providing a circuit when the switch is closed. The flashlight 12 within the drawings is for illustration purposes only as there are numerous designs, shapes and sizes of flashlights 12 available on the market.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 6 of the drawings, the coupler 20 has a first threaded end 22 and a second threaded end 24. The first threaded end 22 is formed to threadably engage the interior threads of the open end of the flashlight 12. The first threaded end 22 is preferably threaded opposite of the second threaded end 24 to allow tightening and loosening of the coupler 20 from within the flashlight 12 by rotation of the engaging member 30. For example, if the first threaded end 22 requires right handed threading, the second threaded end 24 would have left handed threading. The coupler 20 is preferably constructed of a metal material. As shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 6 of the drawings, the first threaded end 22 is generally broader in diameter than the second threaded end 24.

[0036] The second threaded end 24 is in opposition to the first threaded end 22 of the coupler 20 and extends a finite distance from thereof. The second threaded end 24 preferably is constructed of a longer structure than the first threaded end 22 for providing secure threadable engagement with the engaging member 30.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 of the drawings, the first threaded end 22 includes an end cavity 26 for receiving a compression spring 50. The compression spring 50 is commonly utilized to both retain the batteries within the flashlight 12 and for providing an electrical circuit between the batteries, switch and light bulb. The first threaded end 22 is constructed of a metal material capable of effectively conducting electricity from the spring 50 and transferring the electricity through an electrical connector within the interior of the flashlight 12 to the light bulb.

[0038] The engaging member 30 may be constructed of a single solid material such as wood, plastic, nylon, metal or the like. The engaging member 30 is relatively long in length, however preferably shorter in length than the overall length of the flashlight 12 as shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings. The engaging member 30 typically will range in length between 4-12 inches. The engaging member 30 includes an inner end 32 and an outer end 36 wherein the outer end 36 preferably has a rounded corner to reduce injury to a subject during engagement. The engaging member 30 preferably has a rounded cross sectional shape that preferably corresponds to the shape of the flashlight 12 as further shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings. The engaging member 30 further includes an interior threaded portion 34 extending into the inner end 32 for threadably receiving the second threaded end 24 of the coupler 20.

[0039] The engaging member 30 is preferably constructed of a nylon material for reducing flexing and breakage during usage. A desirable material for constructing the engaging member 30 is manufactured under the name NYLATRON by DSM ENGINEERING PLASTIC PRODUCTS. NYLATRON is comprised of conventional nylon filled with molybdenum disulphide to improve its strength and rigidity. NYLATRON provides increased heat resistance, tensile strength and flexural strength compared to conventional nylon.

[0040] In an alternative embodiment clearly shown in FIGS. 7 through 9 of the drawings, engaging member 30 includes an interior cavity 38 within that is sealed by the coupler 20. The interior cavity 38 defines a volume within the engaging member 30 that is preferably greater than 50% of the total volume of the engaging member 30. The interior cavity 38 is preferably partially filled with a weight 40 preferably comprised of a movable particular material such as lead. The particulate material for the weight 40 may be comprised of other materials such as steel, copper and the like.

[0041] The particulate material is preferably spherical in shape to facilitate smooth and easy movement of the material within the interior cavity 38 during usage. The weight 40 provides an increased “sweet spot” when engaging a subject or an object. In addition, the weight 40 reduces the bouncing of the end of the engaging member 30 from the subject or object after engagement.

[0042] In use, the user removes the conventional end cap from a conventional flashlight 12 and then threadably engages the first threaded end 22 of the coupler 20 into the interior threaded open end of the flashlight 12 until tightened. The user then utilizes the flashlight 12 as a conventional flashlight 12 during normal usage thereof. However, when the user engages a subject, the user grasps the handle of the flashlight 12 with the engaging member 30 extending outwardly from the hand of the user prior to engaging a subject. When the user swings the flashlight 12 and engaging member 30 towards an object or subject, the particulate weight 40 within the interior cavity 38 is shifted toward the distal end of the engaging member 30. After engaging the subject or object with the end of the engaging member 30, the particulate material of the weight 40 is repositioned within the interior cavity 38 toward the point of impact thereby reducing the bounce affect and maintaining an increased contact time with the subject or object. The user thereafter repositions the flashlight 12 into the strike position for usage again if necessary.

[0043] As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.

[0044] With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed to be within the expertise of those skilled in the art, and all equivalent structural variations and relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

[0045] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. Index of Elements for Baton Coupler System For A Flashlight □ ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ 10. Baton Coupler System For A Flashlight □ 11. □ 12. Flashlight □ 13. □ 14. Light Housing □ 15. □ 16. □ 17. □ 18. □ 19. □ 20. Coupler □ 21. □ 22. First Threaded End □ 23. □ 24. Second Threaded End □ 25. □ 26. End Cavity □ 27. □ 28. □ 29. □ 30. Engaging Member □ 31. □ 32. Inner End □ 33. □ 34. Interior Threaded Portion □ 35. □ 36. Outer End □ 37. □ 38. Interior Cavity □ 39. □ 40. Weight □ 41. □ 42. □ 43. □ 44. □ 45. □ 46. □ 47. □ 48. □ 49. □ 50. Spring □ 51. □ 52. □ 53. □ 54. □ 55. □ 56. □ 57. □ 58. □ 59. □ 60. □ 61. □ 62. □ 63. □ 64. □ 65. □ 66. □ 67. □ 68. □ 69. □ 70. □ 71. □ 72. □ 73. □ 74. □ 75. □ 76. □ 77. □ 78. □ 79. 

I claim:
 1. A baton coupler system for a flashlight, comprising: an engaging member having an inner end and an outer end; and a coupler having a first threaded end capable of being threadably attached to an interior threaded end of a flashlight, wherein said coupler is attached to said inner end of said engaging member.
 2. The baton coupler system for a flashlight of claim 1, wherein said coupler is constructed of an electrically conductive material.
 3. The baton coupler system for a flashlight of claim 2, wherein said coupler includes an end cavity within said first threaded end for receiving a spring.
 4. The baton coupler system for a flashlight of claim 1, wherein said coupler includes an end cavity within said first threaded end for receiving a spring.
 5. The baton coupler system for a flashlight of claim 1, wherein said outer end of said engaging member is rounded.
 6. The baton coupler system for a flashlight of claim 1, wherein said engaging member is constructed of a solid material.
 7. The baton coupler system for a flashlight of claim 6, wherein said engaging member is constructed of a nylon material.
 8. The baton coupler system for a flashlight of claim 7, wherein said nylon material is comprised of nylon filled with molybdenum disulphide.
 9. The baton coupler system for a flashlight of claim 1, wherein said engaging member includes an interior cavity filled with a weight material.
 10. The baton coupler system for a flashlight of claim 9, wherein said weight material is comprised of a particulate lead material.
 11. A baton coupler system for a flashlight, comprising: an engaging member having an inner end and an outer end; and a coupler having a first threaded end and a second threaded end, wherein said first threaded end is capable of being threadably attached to an interior threaded end of a flashlight, and wherein said second threaded end of said coupler is threadably attached to an interior threaded portion of said inner end of said engaging member.
 12. The baton coupler system for a flashlight of Claim 11, wherein said coupler is constructed of an electrically conductive material.
 13. The baton coupler system for a flashlight of claim 12, wherein said coupler includes an end cavity within said first threaded end for receiving a spring.
 14. The baton coupler system for a flashlight of claim 11, wherein said coupler includes an end cavity within said first threaded end for receiving a spring.
 15. The baton coupler system for a flashlight of claim 11, wherein said outer end of said engaging member is rounded.
 16. The baton coupler system for a flashlight of claim 11, wherein said engaging member is constructed of a solid material.
 17. The baton coupler system for a flashlight of claim 16, wherein said engaging member is constructed of a nylon material.
 18. The baton coupler system for a flashlight of claim 17, wherein said nylon material is comprised of nylon filled with molybdenum disulphide.
 19. The baton coupler system for a flashlight of claim 11, wherein said engaging member includes an interior cavity filled with a weight material.
 20. The baton coupler system for a flashlight of claim 19, wherein said weight material is comprised of a particulate lead material. 